Anuvavi Subramanyar Temple, Periya
Thadagam – The Temple
This temple is situated on top of the hillock in the western ghats. The hill top offers a bird’s eye view of the northern outskirts of the Coimbatore city. This temple is situated in the middle of the Anaikatty mountain range and surrounded by Guruvirukshamalai on the north, Anuvavimalai on the south and Kadalarasimalai on the west. This temple is facing towards east and can be accessed through flight of 550 steps. Idumban shrine can be seen at the foot hill.
A small shrine for Vinayaga can be seen on the way from the foot hills to the temple. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala, maha mandapa and mukha mandapa. The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity, Subramanya with his consorts Valli & Devasena in standing posture. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). Generally, most of the Murugan temples in Kongu region enshrines Balamurugan or Dhandayuthapani without his consorts Valli & Devasena.
This is one of the few temples, where Murugan can be seen with his consorts in the sanctum. There is a small shrine for Arunachaleswarar above the temple. This shrine can be reached after climbing a few flight of stairs. Idols of Vinayaga and Veerabahu can be seen in the Mukha Mandapa. There is a north facing shrine for Hanuman can be seen in the temple premises. There is a small rath made of wood for taking the deity around the temple.
Navagraha shrine can also be seen in the temple premises. There is a perennial natural spring named Hanuman Theertham / Anuvavi adjacent to the temple. The origin of the spring could not be discovered till now. The spring is mentioned as Kanachunai (meaning not discoverable) / Vatra Chunai (the well which does not dry up) as per the inscription of a king belonged to Mysore Wadiyar dynasty.
There are few caves in the slopes of the hill. It is believed that these caves were inhabited by Pampatti Siddhar and Sages in the ancient past for their penance. The famous Marudamalai Murugan Temple is situated on the southern side and can be reached through a hilly path from this temple. There is a tall hanuman statue at the base of the hill as a separate temple. The surrounding area is densely forested and notorious for elephant encounters. Hence, the temple closes early at 6.00 PM.
